It may come as a surprise, but a large number of entrepreneurs are natural introverts, myself included. Introversion is a difficult obstacle to overcome, especially as you are trying to grow your team, network with peers, find mentors, raise money, speak in public or develop yourself professionally. Some might call it an affliction.

But breathe easy. I’ve discovered a few helpful practices that all of us introverted entrepreneurs can use to turn this social anxiety into a secret asset.

Networking is probably the single most important thing you can do for your business, for your team, and for yourself. It can also be the most stressful.

For many of us, there is nothing worse than standing in a room full of strangers and trying to jump into a conversation midstream. Fortunately, there is a more effective way to network: the one-on-one coffee.

While this may seem like a nightmare for a true introvert, it’s important to remember that the most uncomfortable part for introverts is typically the build-up. But technology can help make this part a breeze. Simply identify who you want to network with, look them up on LinkedIn, Twitter or a company website, and send them an email asking for some time to buy them coffee.

The trick is to do it far enough in advance that the ask is easy and there is no calendar pressure. By the time the coffee date comes around, you’re committed and it’s too late to rationalize a reason to cancel. The build-up for a one-on-one may still be uncomfortable, but it’s far less than the alternative. And it only gets easier with practice.

2. Learn your style

When I first started public speaking I was a wreck. I’d work myself into a nervous mess days before the engagement, writing out what I wanted to say almost word for word and repeating it to myself for hours. This was anything but ideal, so I started experimenting with different speaking methods and memory techniques. Eventually, I read Tony Hsieh’s book, “Delivering Happiness.” In the book, Tony suggested not memorizing anything at all. Instead, he advised to simply outline your thoughts — then wing it. He pointed out that your audience won’t know what you’re going to say or when you’ve skipped a point. If you’re struggling with public speaking, try experimenting with different preparation styles to see what helps you take the stage with more confidence.

3. Set concrete goals

When we enter a room full of strangers, there isn’t much to stop us from getting our drink and plate of finger food and standing in the corner by ourselves or with one or two friends. So it’s helpful to outline well in advance what outcomes you expect from attending the event, because after all, it’s unlikely you are there to eat nachos all by yourself. By setting goals and being determined to stay until those goals are met, you will gain far more than taking an off-the-cuff approach. Further, your introverted desire to escape can be used as fuel to get the items on your list checked off as early as possible.

4. Recharge

As introverts, it’s important to remember the importance of recharging. Extroverts gain energy from interacting with others in new situations; while introverts deplete energy from the same interactions. Willpower is a limited resource and needs to be refilled frequently. Those marathon meeting days and back-to-back evening events can be especially draining for an introvert. Everyone is different, so identify what relaxes you and makes you feel ready for the day, and ensure you’re putting in enough recharge time.

5. Practice

For an introvert, networking and public speaking are like working out: Thinking about the workout and then actually doing it is often uncomfortable, but afterward you walk away feeling great, albeit a little sweaty. And let me tell you, it’s a lot more fun to skip a workout. But nobody becomes an Olympian that way. As with physical exercise, you’re never going to grow and achieve without going through professional exercise, so keep at it.